Secrets of Success

Please note these are member-submitted secrets and are not reviewed by SparkPeople's health experts for accuracy. If you feel a secret is inappropriate, please click the "Report Inappropriate Secret" on the secret's page and our staff will review it.

I keep a list of food ideas to try. I started it several years ago, and I just keep adding to it when I run across an inspiring idea. The ideas may be a vegetable or fruit I have not eaten, a combination of foods or a whole meal. I also list restaurants and the healthy meals that I like to eat there. I go to the list when I need an idea quickly or when I am not inspired by the meals I am planning.

I make very low-fat soups and stews by cooking the meat and broth one day, taking out the meat and putting the broth in the refrigerator overnight and taking off the hardened fat the next day before adding the vegetables and finishing the dish. The Hearty and Chunky Chicken Pumpkin Soup I am making this afternoon has 1 g. fat per 2-cup serving.

I find that I have a better attitude when I get out of my sloppy t-shirt, shorts and floppy slippers and get into either my workout clothes several hours before my spinning class or just put on some closer-fitting clothes that I like. I feel more industrious and energetic when I am wearing sneakers or running shoes. When I feel industrious, energetic and happier, I make better choices.

I saw that question on a message board a couple of years ago, and it really struck me as an antidote to stinkin' thinkin'. I used to beat myself up all the time. And then, of course, I had to eat something to make myself feel better. Since I read that question, I have written on it and on gratitudes every evening. Remembering these two things has made an enormous difference in my attitude and, therefore, my decisions. What about you? What have you done to make yourself proud today?

I am trying to get a consistent exercise program started. I have to humble myself to accept that I am at the start, so I am starting with a commitment of at least 10 minutes at least five times a week. It does not seem like much, but I want to get the commitment solidified. I set my phone to remind me 5 minutes before the start of a news program I like to watch. I jump on the elliptical and decide after 10 min. whether I will continue. Then, in a couple of weeks, I will increase it.

I found it easier to get my 8 glasses in when I make some of them herbal tea. I make up a pitcher of mint tea, add the juice of 1/2 lemon and leave it in the frig. I like it poured over crushed ice during these hot summer afternoons.

After dinner, I often make blueberry tea or something similar. Fruit-flavored tea in the evening has been a big help marking the end of eating for the day and replacing dessert after dinner.

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